Architectural Plan Symbols Guide
Complete reference for common symbols found on architectural floor plans, elevations, and details
Important note
Symbols can vary between firms and projects. Always refer to the project's legend (usually on Sheet A-001 or in the general notes) for project-specific symbols and abbreviations.
Wall Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ━━━━ | Solid wall (new construction) | Usually thicker line weight |
| ┅┅┅┅ | Existing wall to remain | Dashed or lighter weight |
| ╳╳╳╳ | Wall to be demolished | Crossed out or hatched |
| ▓▓▓▓ | Fire-rated wall | Often hatched or noted with rating |
| ░░░░ | Partition (non-structural) | Lighter than structural walls |
Door Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ┐╲ | Single swing door | Arc shows swing direction |
| ╱┬╲ | Double swing door | Two arcs from center |
| ⟷ | Sliding door | Arrow shows slide direction |
| ◠ | Pocket door | Slides into wall pocket |
| ⟲ | Revolving door | Circle with partitions |
| ◠─ | Bi-fold door | Accordion pattern |
Window Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ═══ | Fixed window | Parallel lines in wall |
| ═╪═ | Operable window | Cross indicates moveable sash |
| ═◇═ | Casement window | Diamond shows hinge side |
| ═△═ | Awning/hopper window | Triangle shows swing direction |
Stair & Ramp Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ▲ UP | Stairs going up | Arrow indicates direction of travel |
| ▼ DN | Stairs going down | DN or DOWN noted |
| ─//─ | Break line | Indicates stair continues |
| ◢ | Ramp | With slope indication |
Reference Marks
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ① | Section cut | Number refers to sheet/detail |
| ▲ | Section direction | Arrow shows viewing direction |
| ◐ | Elevation tag | Circle with detail number |
| ⬡ | Detail callout | Hexagon or circle with number |
| ○ | Room number/tag | Circle or oval with room ID |
| ⬭ | Door tag | Often includes door number |
Level & Dimension Marks
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ⊕ | Column grid intersection | Grid lines labeled A, B, 1, 2, etc. |
| ⊥ | Spot elevation | Shows elevation at a point |
| ━⊥━ | Level datum | Horizontal reference level |
| ⊙ | Benchmark | Survey reference point |
| ├──┤ | Dimension string | Shows measurement between points |
Fixtures & Equipment
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ◻ | Toilet | Oval or rectangle shape |
| ▭ | Sink/lavatory | Bowl shape with drain |
| □ | Tub | Rectangle, sometimes with drain |
| ⌓ | Shower | Square with drain indication |
| ▣ | Appliance | Rectangle with cross or label |
Material Hatching Patterns
Diagonal lines
Earth/Ground
X pattern
Concrete
Brick pattern
Masonry
Wood grain
Wood (finish)
Diagonal spaced
Insulation
Dots
Sand/Gravel
Triangles
Steel
Dashed
Glass
Reading Section & Detail Tags
Standard Format: Detail # / Sheet #
Example: 3/A-501
- 3 = Detail number on that sheet
- A-501 = Sheet where detail is found
Example: A/A3.2
- A = Section letter
- A3.2 = Sheet number
Keep exploring
Related references for architectural drawing interpretation.